Thursday, February 19, 2015

Micromax launched Canvas Pep Q371, a new budget Androidsmartphone in their Canvas series that comes with 4.5-inch FWVGA screen, is powered by a 1.3GHz quad core processor and runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat).

"Infuse excitement in your life with the 1.3GHz Quad Core processor of the Micromax Canvas Pep. Do all that you love and enjoy super smooth performance! Pep up your life with the all new Canvas Pep!" -- Micromax

Thursday, January 29, 2015

The news of the Android Silver and retiring of the Google Nexus series has already created a great buzz in the industry in the year 2014. However, the Android Silver was then considered as a rumored program and the analysts then depicted that Google will unveil it in the year 2015.

The prime objective behind the program Android Silver is that Google wants to attain a complete control over the Android ecosystem and market the pure Android experience. For combating the “fragmented Android” image with “unified Android” via this approach, Google is investing a hefty amount. As, Google will possess the complete control over all the integrated softwares and hardwares that will be running on the products of the Android Silver.

However while looking into the past, it can be observed that Google has already made numerous strives for an unfragmented Android. With the Android Silver program, it will be its another attempt. Now the question is will Google be able to achieve success this time.

Do the users really want pure Android?

For this, let's consider the last three efforts made by Google that unfortunately have failed.

During the initial phase when the Android was new to the market, the two manufacturers HTC and Motorola Mobility (pre-acquisition) have designed their own versions of Android. These versions not only boast different visual appeal but have also altered the Android standards set by Google. This fractured ecosystem of the Google Android has created a great confusion among the developers, service providers and buyers.

To gather market value and increase sales, Google then launched its own Nexus series with Nexus One. The prime goal behind the Nexus series was to offer a design as a reference to Android makers. However, it was not able to succeed with this attempt.

When second time Google tried to deliver the Android vision in the market by restricting the platform update for its version 4.0 (popularly known as Ice Cream Sandwich) to only pure Android mobiles. This time also the market response was not as good as for the Samsungs' improved UI design (which doesn't deliver exactly the genuine Android experience).

Indubitably the fragmented Android ecosystem was creating application compatibility issues and that is what annoying the developers the most. This issue however still exists, but has been minimized to a great extent. In the third attempt for promoting the pure Android in the market, Google has acquired its competitor Motorola Mobility (which is now acquired by Lenovo) with a thought in mind to deviate other Android makers. With the Motorola partnership, it has generated several pure Android Nexus devices. But, these merely attained any market attention. This effort again failed, since the users were more tempted to invest in impure Android devices (offered by makers like Samsung, LG, and more).

In fact, the Google Play Edition (manufactured by LG) was another example that shows how Google has made strives to market pure Android, but unfortunately it failed again. And now with the Android Silver, it is anticipated that it will come with the revamped strategies behind the Google Play Edition to serve the cause.

The success of the Android Silver is quite hard to depict, however, one thing is for sure that it will offer certain benefits to its users. For instance, the Android fans who desire to fetch the current updates at the earliest will get them their first launch, if they are using the Google-controlled Android Silver.

Other way around

Google can better promote the pure Android by simply restricting the licensing of the Android to manufacturers who can ensure the real Android. As, users admire the Google platform more than the interface variations offered by the manufacturers like Samsung. Thus, there are great chances that if ever the partnership of popular Android and Samsung will split in the future, the majority of Android fans would like to stick with the platform not its device maker. However, this is not possible for the Android 5.0 and previous versions, but it can be considered for the forthcoming versions.

The pure Android will not only solve the apps compatibility issues, but will also help enhance the Android performance. The real platform would be better able to breakthrough its noted vulnerabilities including inconsistency in the UI, fragmented mobile platform, late updates and so forth.

If only the Google controlled Android Silver will be available in the market, users will be able to retrieve the updates at the earliest and enjoy a smooth UX with consistent UI design. Moreover, the Android app developers' job will be also augmented as they will be better able scrutinize the target device features.

Author Bio: Victoria Brinsley is a veteran app programmer for Appsted Ltd., that aids you to outsource Android apps development services. Feel free to ask her any related queries about development technology and processes.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Now, the time is to say good bye to 2014 - an exciting year for tech and Google has unveiled its “best of” list for 2014, which includes Android apps and games.

Google picks the list based on total number of downloads in each category. Apart from apps, the company also named the best-selling albums and films for the year. Everything mentioned below is available through the Google Play Store and recommended for downloading right now.

Best Android Apps of 2014

Google selected the most downloaded apps from each of the following categories: Education, Health & Fitness, Music, Photography, Social, Entertainment, Sports, and Travel. Health & Fitness was also named the fastest growing.

The significant core part of the Android operating system is Linux, but you can't run the Android application on the typical Linux and vice versa. Have you ever wondered that why is it so?

The reason is that Android, Inc. has played very smartly and integrated only the Linux Kernel as the core part in the Android OS (that was acquired by Google) rather than including the typical Kernel.

To brief the aforementioned statement let's have an insight into the Linux and Linux Kernel.

How is the Linux Kernel different from the Linux

Different people have different manipulation for the terms “Linux” and “Linux Kernel”. Some believe that both the terms are the same since the major part of the OS is the kernel itself. However, some consider that since, the kernel is not the only part there, so it should be treated as a different identity.

The term “Linux” is often used to represent the Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Arch, Mint, etc. It includes the Linux Kernel plus the softwares like GNU shell utilities, GNOME desktop, GNU C library, Mozilla Firefox browser and so forth. And, this is why the Linux distribution is often also referred as GNU/Linux.

What else is included in the Android OS

Google has incorporated a few of the Linux libraries, softwares and Linux Kernel in Android that make it stand apart from the typical Linux distributions. The Linux Kernel (which is an integral part of the Android) lends the open source nature to the Android platform. This is the crucial factor that makes Android the most popular and admired operating system. Android Developers can easily tweak the integrated Linux kernel to cater their diverse business needs.

Elements incorporated in the Android OS but not in the Linux.

In Android, the Dalvik virtual machine is used to execute the Java applications.

Instead of the GNU C library, Android features the Bionic library.

The Linux Kernel is common between the typical Linux distributions and Android. But since, it doesn't include the major softwares that are common in the Linux distribution the, the Android is not included in the list of Linux distributions.

There are several factors that hinder the execution of Linux applications over Android devices. Let's ponder into a few of them.

Though, like Linux the Android also possesses a shell, but it is not accessible. However, by downloading the Terminal Emulator for Android application from the Google Play, you can make the terminal easily accessible. Even then also it won't guarantee a complete root shell. This is because, although it will augment access to the terminal, but might not offer you all the regular commands.

The graphical X server and the standard GNU libraries are not integrated with the Android platform. These are certain basic facets essential for executing the Linux apps.

Factors that create bottlenecks while executing Android applications on the Linux desktop

We know that the Dalvik virtual machine is crucial for running an Android app. Now since, the Dalvik virtual machine has not been included in the Linux, you can't run an Android app simply in the Linux desktop.

However, this issue can be resolved if certain hard work is done at the developers' end. It is only possible to execute Android apps on the Linux, if developers can enable the Dalvik virtual machine to run on Linux.

Thus, considering the fact that Android doesn't feature all the standard softwares, libraries, APIs, etc., that are there in all the Linux distributions, the Android mobile OS is not included in the list.

Author Bio: Juana Steves is an Android developer by profession for Xicom Technologies Ltd - a leading Android App Development Services provider. If you are willing to avail Android app developers for hire, just get in touch with het to get the best assistance.

Friday, December 19, 2014

With the digital revolution taking place, technology has become an integral part of our lives. People are browsing the Internet for interesting information, compiling useful data, using online document storage services to save files, and by doing that, they are actually digitizing their busy lives.

One of the most widespread products of the digital era is the Portable Document Format, better known as the PDF. We use this format because it is a practical and secure way to view documents on every device, without worrying about someone’s sneaky fingers editing it without our approval.

Since many good things have a downside to them, the PDF’s in the fact that its users usually cannot edit their files directly in the PDF when they need to. For this reason, PDF developers also invented software which enables users to convert and edit their PDFs. There are many software solutions that can convert and create PDF files, but only a few have tried to encompass all key PDF management functions in only one tool.

Complete PDF Solution in a Single Tool

One of these advanced, multifunctional programs is the recently launched Able2Extract PDF Converter 9. Besides being an all-inclusive tool (meaning that it can create, edit and convert PDF files from/into multiple sources), the professional version of the software also has an integrated OCR feature. Optical Character Recognition enables users to convert scanned and image files, therefore allowing them to accurately revise and edit PDF files regardless of their source.

To edit PDF data using Able2Extract, first convert it to the desired format and then edit it in the document’s source application. You can do that by following these 3 steps:

1. Open PDF

Run Able2Extract application and click on the Open button (blue folder icon).

Select your PDF file from your folder and click OK. Your document will be quickly opened in Able2Extract. To navigate more easily through your file, click on the thumbnails, bookmarks or attachments icon on the upper left vertical of Able2Extract (check the image below for your reference).

2. Select PDF

Select the area you want to convert. Able2Extract 9 gives you the option of selecting a specific part of the document (which can come in handy when you want to export just one segment, like an image, table, text block, etc), or the whole document. You can also specify any random range of pages (like 3-5, 17, 56-69).

3. Convert PDF

Pick the desired output file format. You can pick from the more common file types like OpenOffice or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) to formats such as AutoCAD, HTML, and a plethora of image formats (JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, BMP).

Save the file on your computer. Now that you have your file converted into an editable format, it is only a matter of using appropriate software to make changes to your file and then converting it back into PDF (optional).

The newly released Able2Extract 9 offers a variety of other PDF management options to choose from, so users who wish to create a new PDF from their edited file and password-protect it can do that as well. The tool’s major strength is in the simple and accurate PDF conversion and creation process, making editing data in PDF a walk in the park.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Microsoft Outlook has successfully evolved into an industry-recognized tool that competently performs emailing as well as manages personal tasks. With Outlook becoming the heart and soul of the business activities, there might be a situation when the PST file of Outlook gets damaged or corrupted. In such cases, retrieving data becomes a difficult task. Fortunately, the Outlook data files do not get lost forever we can still recover it. Here, we are going to analyze a tool that offers a dependable solution to recover the corrupted PST files of Outlook.

Installation & Setup

Outlook Recovery application can be downloaded from the website of MSOutlook Tools. Click on the download link and the setup file will be downloaded to your system. To their merit, installation of the application takes less than a minute .However; it certainly depends on your internet connection. Unlike other applications, it does not require a restart process to finish with the installation procedure.

Product Functionality

Outlook Recovery Tool offers a competent solution to recover the permanently deleted emails & repairs the damaged or corrupted PST File. It scans the damaged PST files and quickly recovers the corrupted emails, tasks, contacts, etc. Let us discuss the powerful features of this proficient utility.

Top Features of the Program

Recovery of data from corrupted or damaged PST files

Supports recovery of permanently deleted emails

Split PST option to manage output data after recovery

Works perfectly fine with UNICODE and ANSI PST files

Recovers PST files corrupted due to 2GB file size limitation

Getting Started

Once you start initiating the program, the application performs the essential pre-requisites for checking the condition of Outlook components and Outlook. Performance aspect is generally considered as the main highlighted feature of any utility. Here is what I found after evaluating the performance of Outlook Recovery tool.

Look and feel of Interface

Outlook Recovery software offers one of the simplest user interfaces. The interface is fairly self-explanatory and somewhat resembles the look of Microsoft Outlook. I am appreciative of the fact that even a non-technical person can easily follow it.

Performance Impact

The performance aspects of Outlook Recovery utility is discussed below

Advanced Scan Mode for Severe Corruption

The program offers an automated process of scanning the corrupted or damaged PST files and then loads it for preview. Additionally, the software provides an option of advanced scanning mode to recover the permanently deleted files of Outlook and the files which have higher level of corruption.

Multiple Export Options to Save Output File

You can select the desired file format in which you want the resultant recovered file to be saved. There are multiple export options to select from, as per your requirement.

save as PST file

Save as MSG file

Save as EML file

Flexible Naming Patterns To Save Files

The software provides the adaptability while saving the messages in MSG or EML file formats. You can select from a wide range of suitable naming conventions which is based on the preference of date wise, subject wise or sender wise. You can also save the files in Auto increment mode.

Option to Split large sized PST file

You can split a large PST into multiple smaller PST files. To split any PST file .you can select any size ranging from 1 GB to 45 GB. In this way, the feature provides an effectual technique to manage the large PST files which could otherwise have lead to corruption.

Selective Export of Files/folders

You can selectively export the recovered file/folders by simply checking and unchecking the PST files or folders which you desire to export. The user can selectively import PST files into Outlook or carry out in a batch process.

Option to Save Export Report

When all the recovered items of Outlook are exported, the PST repair Tool will generate an export report specifying the location of the both mailbox and exported file. This report can be saved in the CSV file format for future reference.

Free Trial & Testing

The trial version of the application can be downloaded to know about its features the in details. However, with the freeware version, you have the option to only preview the recovered resultant files and export only 25 items per folder.

Selective filtering of emails based on date range comes as a real benefit for users. It saves their time and effort.

Split PST option carries out the proper way of managing large sized PST files that would have otherwise lead to severe corruption

Option to save the export file details in CSV file format helps the user to refer it for future use.

Outlook styled interface makes the software UI user-friendly.

Compass for Improvement

Even though the utility works out well in recovering, the inaccessible PST files but some features can be incorporated to enhance its functionality further. These are discussed below.

Automatic Detection of PST Files

A person who is not tech savvy may find it difficult to locate the inaccessible PST files in the system. To make their task easier, an additional auto-detect option for locating the PST files could be beneficial.

Search Option for Finding Messages

A search option designed on the basis of keyword, subject, or phrase could make the process of locating the messages easier from a bulk of data.

Final Verdict

On a positive note, the utility definitely worked out well. Going through its impressive tech specs ,I will rate the tool on the basis of its performance as 8/10.Outlook Recovery certainly stacks up to the best of recovery solution that offers to repair Outlook PST files and is available at a nominal price to users.